Only in its second year, the Reborn Art Festival aims to transform the negative into the positive. Held largely in Ishinomaki, the area was devastated by the 2011 tsunami and is still recovering today. This festival aims to showcase creativity hard work and hope for the future, with art, music, food and unique local experiences. The theme for 2019 is ‘The Texture of Life’ and hopes to reflect the importance of staying connected to the true essence of life.
There will be opportunities to stay overnight at Mononoura Village in the official accommodation designed by Dot Architects as well as overnight-events. There are countless artists including Yayoi Kusama, Tadanobu Asano and Anish Kapoor as well as musicians,an opera performance, a bon-odori festival and installations around the city and coast in general. Food is a further focus, with talented chefs from Miyagi prefecture serving food at Reborn Art Dining as well as the Hama no okaa-san (seaside mothers) serving traditional local food at the Hama-Saisai Eatery. For a more hands-on experience, don’t miss the Ishinomaki Food Adventure – a chance to explore local ingredients cuisine with farmers, fishermen and artists.
The event will take place in locations across Ishinomaki City, Matsushima Bay, Ajishima and the Oshika Peninsula. A passport is required for entry but covers you for the full event. Additional tickets are requied for things like the opera performance, accommodation and guided island tours though.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.